Virginia Adelaide Bland Thomas, 92, of Salem, passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2006. She was raised in Roanoke and moved to Salem after she was married. Virginia graduated from Jefferson High School and took a year of business college. She was an active member of Central United Methodist Church in Salem for many years. She was also employed by the Town of Salem Treasurer's Office and retired after fifteen years working for the Roanoke County Treasurer's Office. After retirement, Virginia worked for nine years as a hostess at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earnest Lerty Thomas; parents, Harry E. and Florence Little Bland; sister and brother-in-law, Helen Bland Cromer and Guy Cromer; and also her dear brother, Harry "Buddy" Bland. Virginia is survived by many cousins, nephews, and nieces in Ohio, West Virginia, and Maryland including special cousins, Violet Wallace of Lindside, W. Va., and Virginia Hutchinson of Ohio; and many friends including, Susie Hall and June Robinette. Virginia will be remembered most for her love and care for friends and family and for her special, sweet spirit. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 11 a.m. in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem. A period of visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Evergreen Burial Park in Roanoke. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any of the following: Central United Methodist Church at 428 S. College Avenue in Salem, Va., 24153; Fort Lewis Rescue Squad at 3915 W. Main Street in Salem, Va., 24153; or Salem Rescue Squad at 201 S. Broad Street in Salem, Va., 24153. The Thomas family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 389-5441.
Published in the Roanoke Times on 11/13/2006.